Development of Nitrogen Load Assessment System in the Dniester River Catchment

Abstract

Purpose. Exploring the issues and underpinning the development of an assessment system for Nitrogen load on aquatic ecosystems in the Dniester river basin, as a part of a future international Nitrogen management system (INMS), which should be established in the framework of the UNEP-GEF project 'Targeted Research for improving understanding of the Global Nitrogen Cycle towards the establishment of an International Nitrogen Management System (Towards INMS)'. Results. Knowledge gaps related to diffusive pollution sources have been identified, as well as significant shortcomings of point pollution sources monitoring have been found in the Dniester river basin area. The main sources and sinks of Nitrogen have been characterized, the relationship of Nitrogen load and its impact on the constituents of entire basin system has been shown. Conclusions. New knowledge for Nitrogen load on Dniester river delta ecosystem and its impact on coastal areas of the Black Sea will enable to establish (set up) a scientific background for development of overall (general) skeleton (layout) for biogeochemical Nitrogen cycle and balance in the region and allow to produce and implement recommendations for the development of Nitrogen assessment and efficient management system in Ukraine, aimed at mitigation of Nitrogen load on ecosystem functioning and human health according to the EU Water Framework (WFD) and Nitrate Directives (ND).